WILL
ROGERS COLISEUM

From
the book's description:"Few buildings in Fort
Worth are more iconic than the Will
Rogers Coliseum and Auditorium. Built in 1936 as a part of the Texas
Centennial celebrations, it stands as a tribute to the spirit of patriotism
and pride with which it was constructed and to the optimism that it represented.
The list of events that have been held at this venue includes World
War II bond drives, Golden Gloves boxing competitions, the symphony, the opera,
rock concerts, high school graduations, the Ice Capades, evangelical gatherings,
and, of course, the Fort Worth Stock Show. As each decade passes, new demands
challenge the role the complex may serve in the future. It is hoped that this
book will contribute in some small way to the preservation of this amazing structure."

(Fort
Worth Public Library.)

"Progress
was marked by August 1, 1936, when this photograph was taken."

(Photo
Dalton Hoffman)

"Shown
here being hoisted into place is one of two reliefs of a cowboy riding a bucking
horse. The cast-stone artwork was among the few decorative elements not cut out
of the budget; they are are on each side of the Coliseum."

(Photo
Amon Carter Museum.)

"The
bust of Will Rogers sits on a pedestal in the Tower's rotunda. Created by Joseph
Edward Lipe, it was cast by Roman Bronze Works in New York for $135 using the
lost wax method."

(Photograph
by John Mazziotta, courtesy of Scott Barker.)

"The
Will Rogers statue was called Fort
Worth's most photographed object" by Life magazine. This image, featured in
the January 23, 1950 issue, was titled: "Will's Playmates.""

(Fort
Worth Star Telegram.)

"Hendrick
and Withers performed their final inspection on January 20, 1937. and PWA Project
No. Tex 1342R was declared officially finished. It is a monument to the determination
of all who were a part of the construction."